Drill pipe or product line improved rollers and movement

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or pipe string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, having a platform on the ground; a pivot member connected to the platform; wherein the pivot member defines a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the ground; and at least one rotator connected to the pivot member; wherein the at least one rotator pivots about the pivot axis in relation to the platform. The disclosure also relates to an omnidirectional roller apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or pipe string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, having a stand mounted on the ground, wherein the stand has a frame; a bearing mounted on the frame; a rotational shaft mounted to the bearing, and a Mecanum wheel mounted on the rotational shaft.

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

use of drill pipe long tail string while reaming or installation ofproduct line using rollers to support and assist in moving same.

During HDD operations, and at the end of them, a product line may bepulled into an underground arcuate path. The product line may besupported by rollers to avoid damage to the coating and reduce pullingforce due to contact with the soil. The standard rollers currently usedin the industry are normally located only on one side of the crossingcalled exit site, opposite the called entry site (where usually thedrilling rig is set up). Such rollers generate a low coefficient offriction in the direction of movement of the product line, butinhibiting eventually necessary and/or safe rotation of the product linecircumferentially, plus each joint of the product line may weightseveral thousands of pounds (lbs.) creating challenges to moving androtating the product line. Unintentional rotation of the product lineover the currently used rollers can result in the rollers flipping orbreaking during operations. Workers may also be located in the vicinityof the product line during pull back operation performing monitoring,coating repairs, etc., therefore, being exposed to accidents created bythe rotation of the product line and its consequences on the standardcurrently used rollers. However, in other situations, controlledrotation of the product line may be desired.

During reaming operations, one of the options is to add or remove jointsof drill pipe at the exit site as reaming process progresses. This isdone typically by the use of chain-tongs (which could be operatedhydraulically or by the assistance of an excavator) and requires radiocommunication with the driller at entry site and coordination of tasks.To minimize the time that consumes the addition or removal of drill pipejoint-by-joint, a technique was developed which involves using what iscalled tail string. The tail string is basically a certain number ofjoints of drill pipe that remain screwed and torqued together,therefore, instead of adding or removing a single joint of drill pipeevery time, the full tail string is added or removed. Usually (anddepending on space constraints) up to ten joints of drill pipe are lefttogether making a tail string, thus, every ten joints of reaming thereis only one connection or disconnection instead ten. Tail strings areusually limited to ten joints of drill pipe as length because longertail strings start creating high torque, that must be exerted by thedrilling rig, reducing its capacity to apply proper torque to the reamerbeing used to enlarge the hole.

SUMMARY

One solution is to set up the tail strings over a group of holders(omnidirectional rollers) that allow longitudinal and rotationalmovement at the same time with low friction coefficient. Thus, anobjective relates to pushing, pulling and rotating product line or drillpipe with minimal friction and drag via the use of omnidirectionalrollers. Embodiments and methods relate to an improved roller apparatusfor supporting and allowing movement of a product line or drill pipetail string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a groundbeneath an obstacle. The improved omnidirectional roller apparatus forsupporting and moving a product line or drill pipe tail string inconnection with an underground arcuate path in a ground beneath anobstacle has a stand mounted on the ground, wherein the stand has aframe. One or more bearings are mounted on the frame and one or morerotational shafts are mounted to the bearings. One or more Mecanumwheels are mounted on the rotational shaft(s). In one exemplaryembodiment, the omnidirectional roller apparatus may have four bearings,and at least two rotational shafts, and two Mecanum wheels. The frame ofthe omnidirectional roller apparatus may further include a platformwhich has a plurality of upright supports, and wherein the uprightsupports may be two shorter posts and two longer posts. The rotationalshafts have a mounting angle relative to the ground and/or to theproduct line. The mounting angle may be defined by the shorter posts andlonger posts; and the mounting angle may be forty-five degrees from thelongitudinal axis, forty-five degrees from the vertical axis, andforty-five degrees from the transversal axis. Further, the Mecanum wheelmay have a plurality of rollers, and each of the plurality of rollers ofthe Mecanum wheel may include a means for protecting the product line.In said exemplary embodiment of the omnidirectional roller apparatus,the bearing may be mounted, one each on top of the shorter posts andlonger posts; and wherein said Mecanum wheel is mounted proximate thecenter along the length of the rotational shaft. The bearing may also bein the center of the Mecanum wheel. In an exemplary embodiment of theomnidirectional roller apparatus, the lateral width of the frame may beadjustable. A disclosed embodiment relating to a method for use of theimproved omnidirectional roller apparatus for selectively installing apipe from above a ground for use in an underground arcuate path beneathan obstacle, and for using another pipe at an exit site during reamingoperations of HDD activities for use in the underground arcuate pathbeneath the obstacle, includes the steps of: supporting the pipe on setsof two Mecanum wheels; rotating the pipe on the Mecanum wheels; andmoving the pipe longitudinally across the Mecanum wheels.

An alternate disclosed exemplary embodiment for a pivotable roller standincludes an apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or drillpipe tail string in connection with an underground arcuate path in aground beneath an obstacle, having: a platform on the ground; a pivotmember connected to the platform, wherein the pivot member defines apivot axis substantially perpendicular to the ground; and at least onerotator connected to the pivot member, wherein the at least one rotatorpivots about the pivot axis in relation to the platform and rotatesabout a rotator axis. The improved pivotable roller stand may include asecondary platform connected and fixed in relation to the rotator,wherein the secondary platform is above the platform; and furtherwherein the pivot member is connected to the rotator via mounting thepivot member to the secondary platform. The improved pivotable rollerstand may also include upright supports as well, which may be fixed toan end of the rotator. The pivot member may be connected to the rotatorby mounting the pivot member to the upright support. The improvedpivotable roller stand apparatus may also include a means for lockingthe platform, wherein the means for locking is intended to prevent thepivot member from rotating beyond a desired position.

Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments for the improvedpivotable roller stand apparatus may include a wheel connected to anunderside of the secondary platform, a track mounted onto the platform,wherein the track is an arcuate pathway circumscribed about the pivotmember, and have brushes adjacent to the wheel. In alternate exemplaryembodiments, the improved pivotable roller stand apparatus may insteadinclude a track on the underside of the secondary platform and havewheels inserted into the track.

Alternative exemplary embodiments include self-centering pivotableholder or roller stands having rotator(s) which allow longitudinalmovement only of the product line or drill pipe, and which therotator(s) pivots to adjust for misalignment of the product line. Thepivot member of the self-centering pivotable roller stand may be locatedat a geometrical center of the rotator(s).

A further exemplary embodiment includes an eccentric pivotable holder orroller stands which allow longitudinal movement and also rotationalmovement in one desired direction only (either clockwise orcounter-clock wise) of the product line or drill pipe and fixing therotator(s) in a desired pivot angle. The pivot member of the end oreccentric roller stand may be located at a noncentral area of therotator(s).

The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method for supporting andmoving a pipe in connection with an underground arcuate path in a groundbeneath an obstacle, having the steps of pivoting a rotator relative toa platform on the ground wherein the rotator enables moving of the pipeaxially. The disclosed method embodiment may also include the step ofmoving the pipe rotationally whilst reducing resistance via the pivotingstep. Further, the described embodiment may include the step(s) ofpreventing the rotator from pivoting beyond a set pivot angle;installing a track on the platform; and brushing debris off the track.This method may further include the steps of pivoting the rotator at ageometrical center of the rotator or, alternately, pivoting the rotatorat a non-central area of the rotator. The step of pivoting the rotatorat a geometrical center of the pipe may further include the step ofself-squaring a longitudinal axis of the rotator in relation to alongitudinal axis of the pipe as a result of the step of pivoting therotator at the geometrical center of the rotator. The step of pivotingthe rotator at a noncentral area of the rotator may further include thesteps of rotating the pipe; wherein a longitudinal axis of the pipe maybe nonsquare in relation to a longitudinal axis of the rotator; andreducing a static coefficient of friction between the pipe and therotator.

As used herein the terms “product line” shall refer to a conduit, pipe,tubular, duct, casing and/or the like.

As used herein the term “self-centering” or “self-squaring” shall referto the ability of the improved rotators to pivot the position of theaxle of the rotators to a perpendicular or square position in relationto the longitudinal axis of the product line, pipe, pipe string or drillpipe tail string (i.e. when viewed from above or below).

As used herein the term “geometrical center of the rotator” shall referto approximately the center point or midway point of one or respectivelymore rotators, or approximately the center point or midway point of therotator axle(s) of the one or respectively more rotators, orapproximately the center point or midway point of the length of therotators. As used herein, the “geometrical center” may be extended toinclude the area directly beneath the actual “geometrical center” whichmay be located within the rotators or rotator axles themselves.

As used herein, the “non-central or noncentral area, point or locationof the rotators” shall refer to any area, point or location thatexcludes the geometrical center of the rotators as defined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments may be better understood, and numerousobjects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used toillustrate only exemplary embodiments, and are not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equallyeffective exemplary embodiments. The figures are not necessarily toscale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shownexaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity andconciseness.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic elevation view of an exemplary embodiment ofa roller with a large diameter product line on the new roller.

FIG. 2 depicts a view similar to FIG. 1 but carrying a smaller diameterdrill pipe and having a shorter lateral distance between the Mecanumwheels.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a newroller.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a newroller.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a newroller.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new roller.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new roller.

FIG. 8 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a newroller.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a new roller.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a new roller.

FIG. 11 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a newroller.

FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of newrollers with product line.

FIG. 13 depicts a lateral perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofnew rollers with product line.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of newrollers with product line.

FIG. 15 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anew roller with product line.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a newroller with product line.

FIG. 17 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of anew roller with product line.

FIG. 18 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of anew roller with product line.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective elevational view of an exemplaryembodiment of a new roller with product line.

FIG. 20 depicts a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of anew roller.

FIG. 21 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of anew roller.

FIG. 22 depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a new centralpivot roller stand with product line.

FIG. 23 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new centralpivot roller stand.

FIG. 24 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a newcentral pivot roller stand.

FIG. 25 depicts an enlarged front view of an exemplary embodiment of anew central pivot roller stand.

FIG. 26 depicts a lateral perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa new central pivot roller stand.

FIG. 27 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new centralpivot roller stand.

FIG. 28 depicts an enlarged underside view of an exemplary embodiment ofa new central pivot roller stand.

FIG. 29 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a newcentral pivot roller stand.

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a newcentral pivot roller stand with a product line.

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand with product line.

FIG. 32 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new eccentricpivot roller stand.

FIG. 33 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand.

FIG. 34 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand.

FIG. 35 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand.

FIG. 36 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand.

FIG. 37 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new eccentricpivot roller stand with product line.

FIG. 38 depicts an enlarged perspective rear view of an exemplaryembodiment of a new eccentric pivot roller stand with product line.

FIG. 39 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a new eccentricpivot roller stand.

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand having brushes.

FIG. 41 depicts a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a neweccentric pivot roller stand with product line having tracks above thewheels.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(s)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods,techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of theinventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the describedembodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to FIGS. 1-19, disclosed exemplary embodiments relate to theinstallation, rolling, and/or movement by means of omnidirectional ormultidirectional roller(s) 10 of product line 12 and the apparatus ofsame. In one exemplary embodiment the roller(s) 10 may be implementedinto a system for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) for support andmovement of product line 12 (by way of example only, but not limited to,plastic pipe such as HDPE, FPVC, or PVC, fiberglass, steel, or anyrelatively weak walled product lines 12) in and as part of directionalcrossings (or other product line movement applications).

As defined above the product line 12 may be a pipe or tubular 12 a. Theproduct line 12 may be pushed, pulled and/or rotated across the rollers10 as part of, for example, a HDD project and installation. The productline 12 (e.g. pipe or tubular 12 a) may be coated in exemplaryembodiments. If coated, the rollers 10 are designed to protect andpreserve such coating on the product line 12.

The rollers 10 for supporting, rolling, and/or moving the product line12 generally have a stand 20, bearing(s) 30, rotational shaft(s) 40, andMecanum wheels 50.

The stand 20 generally includes or is a frame or framework 22. Manyembodiments of a stand 20 may be implemented, being the spacing betweenthem to be determined by the characteristics of the product line ordrill pipe and the terrain where they will operate. In one exemplaryembodiment of a stand 20 the frame 22 includes a first or primaryplatform 24 and upright supports 26. The primary platform 24 has twolower beams 24 a and 24 b to be mounted on the ground 14 and alignedhorizontally and generally parallel to the axial direction of theproduct line 12 to be installed. The lower beams 24 a and 24 b arespaced laterally apart a sufficient distance to support the product line12 to be supported, pushed, pulled and rotated. The primary platform 24also has two cross beams 24 c and 24 d to be mounted on the two lowerbeams 24 a and 24 b and aligned horizontally and generally perpendicularto the two lower beams 24 a and 24 b. The upright supports 26 aregenerally two shorter posts 27 a and 27 b and two longer posts 28 a and28 b. The two shorter posts 27 a and 27 b are mounted on cross beam 24c. The two longer posts 28 a and 28 b are mounted on cross beam 24 d.Brace/joint pieces 25 may also be implemented as desired along theprimary platform 24 and/or any or all of the two shorter posts 27 a and27 b and the two longer posts 28 a and 28 b. The two shorter posts 27 aand 27 b are implemented to connect proximate one end of each respectiverotational shaft 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each respectiveconnection is made via a bearing 30. Although not shown, the frame 22could implement one or more trusses for support.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the lateral width D of the frame 22may be adjusted. Generally, the purpose of same is to adjust thedistance between each pair of Mecanum wheels 50 to accommodate productline 12 or drill pipe of varying diameters. Such adjustment of thelateral width D may be made by moving only one side of the frame 22, orby moving each/both sides of the frame 22. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2comparing and contrasting same by way of example, a product line 12having an outer diameter of thirty-six inches with Mecanum wheels 50having an outer diameter of sixteen inches is represented in FIG. 1,whereby the lateral width D may be established as about 36.17 inches. InFIG. 2, a product line 12 having an outer diameter of 8.5 inches withMecanum wheels 50 having an outer diameter of sixteen inches isrepresented, whereby the lateral width D may be established as about16.68 inches.

A bearing 30 may be installed by means of an appropriate bearing pillowto the top of each upright support 26 (i.e. to the top of each of thetwo shorter posts 27 a and 27 b and to the top of each of the two longerposts 28 a and 28 b). The connection may be made such that the centralaxial direction of each bearing 30 is at an angle to the vertical orhorizontal. The mounting angle is preferably the same for each pair ofbearings 30 on a stand 20. In one exemplary embodiment the mountingangle for the bearings is forty-five degrees respect the three framework22 main axes, longitudinal, transversal and vertical. Each pair ofbearings 30 mounted on a stand 20 on consecutive shorter post (e.g. 27a) and longer post (e.g. 28 a) are mounted such that the axis ofrotation of each pair is aligned (for mount of the rotational shaft 40).The connection between each bearing 30 and each respective post 27 canbe a fixed connection to preserve the appropriate angle respect theframework 22. The bearings 30 may be positioned (e.g. via the posts 27)at any position along the rotational shaft 40 (e.g. the ends, middle,etc.). Each bearing 30 may be an off-the-shelf part.

The rotational shaft 40 may be mounted through the axis of rotation ofeach consecutive pair of bearings 30 on the stand 20 (i.e. via eachconsecutive shorter post (e.g. 27 a) and longer post (e.g. 28 a)). Formounting of the Mecanum wheel 50, it is normally critical that themounting angle of the rotational shaft 40 be at an angle that isforty-five degrees from the longitudinal, forty-five degrees from thevertical, and forty-five degrees from the transversal. The rotationalshaft 40 may turn/rotate within the bearings 30, may be fixed (i.e. norotation) relative to and within bearing(s) 30 optionally mounted to theMecanum wheel 50 (allowing the Mecanum wheel 50 to rotate relative toand on the rotational shaft 40), or both the rotational shaft 40 and theMecanum wheel 50 can rotate. Bearings 30 may be mounted in the center ofthe Mecanum wheel 50 (one or more) plus mounted at the ends of therotational shaft 40 for redundancy.

It may be desirable to maintain the frame 22 as low to the ground 14 aspossible to create a low center of gravity for the rollers 10.Regardless of the positioning of the frame 22 under the pipe or tubular12 a, the pipe or tubular 12 a is able solely to rotate about its ownlongitudinal axis (circumferentially); is able solely to move in afor-aft or back-and-forth motion along or coincident with its ownlongitudinal axis; or at the same time, both rotate about its ownlongitudinal axis and move for-aft along its own longitudinal axis suchthat the rollers 10 rotate as necessary and also the Mecanum wheel 50rotates about rotational shaft 40 as necessary to maintain pipe ortubular 12 a at its position against, upon and between, for example, twoMecanum wheels 50 at a pipe or tubular 12 a supporting location asdepicted in at least FIGS. 13 and 14, each which depict twopipe-supporting locations.

There are normally two Mecanum wheels 50 per stand 20 mounted asdiscussed above. The distance D between such pair of Mecanum wheels 50may be adjusted/adjustable as discussed above. Each roller 52 of aMecanum wheel 50 may include a means to protect the product line 12 (orthe coating of the product line 12), such as, for example, a plastic, arubber, neoprene, or Teflon outer surface 54. Each Mecanum wheel 50 orits components may be an off-the-shelf part. FIGS. 20-21 depictalternate exemplary embodiments of the multidirectional roller(s) 10,having an alternative stand 20.

Referring to FIGS. 22-30, the depicted exemplary embodiments relate tothe installation, rolling, and/or movement by means of a center orcentral pivoting holder or roller stand 10 a of product line 12 andapparatus of same. Referring to FIGS. 31-39, the depicted exemplaryembodiments relate to the installation, rolling, and/or movement bymeans of an eccentric or side pivoting holder or roller stand 10 b ofproduct line 12 and apparatus of same. These roller stands 10 a and 10 bmay be implemented into a system for horizontal directional drilling(HDD) for support and movement of product line 12, similar as to thepurpose of the roller(s) 10 as depicted in FIGS. 1-21.

The roller stands 10 a and 10 b for supporting, rolling and/or movingthe product line 12 generally have a stand 20, bearing(s) 30, rolleraxle shafts 40 a and 40 b, and rotator(s)/spinner(s)/roller(s) 56.

Each stand 20 for roller stands 10 a and 10 b generally includes or is aframe or framework 22. Many embodiments of a stand 20 may beimplemented, being the spacing between them to be determined by thecharacteristics of the product line or drill pipe 12 and the terrainwhere they will operate. In one exemplary embodiment of a stand 20 theframe 22 includes a first, main or primary platform, frame or structure24, a secondary, rocking or pivoting platform frame or structure 66, apivot or pivot member 70, one or more tracks 60, and upright supports26. The primary platform 24 has two lower beams 24 a and 24 b to bemounted on the ground 14 and aligned horizontally and generally parallelto the axial direction of the product line 12 to be installed. The lowerbeams 24 a and 24 b are spaced laterally apart a sufficient distance tosupport the product line 12 to be supported, pushed, pulled and rotated.A center or central lower beam 24 e may be installed approximatelymidway between the distance between lower beams 24 a and 24 b. Theprimary platform 24 also has two cross beams 24 c and 24 d to be mountedon the lower beams 24 a, 24 b and 24 e and aligned horizontally andgenerally perpendicular to the lower beams 24 a, 24 b and 24 e.

The secondary, rocking, or pivoting platform, frame or structure 66 isinstalled above the primary, first, or main platform, frame or structure24 and is beneath the rotator(s) 56. The secondary platform 66 isconnected to the primary platform 24 via pivot 70, and such pivot 70enables secondary platform 66 to rotate or pivot relative to the primaryplatform 24. The primary platform 24 maintains a fixed position inrelation to the ground 14. Rotator(s) 56 are in fixed position inrelation to secondary platform 66 as mounted through upright supports 26and a reinforcement beam 29. Accordingly, rotator(s) 56 will pivot whenthe position of the secondary platform 66 pivots and pivoting motionfrom rotator(s) 56 along pivot angle 76 (see FIG. 27 and FIG. 39) willalso cause the secondary platform 66 to pivot in relation to the primaryplatform 24 as well. In certain alternative exemplary embodiments (notillustrated) the secondary platform 66 may be omitted and the pivot 70may attach to the rotator(s) 56 via another connecting means as well.

In certain exemplary embodiments, at least two rotator(s) 56 a and 56 bare implemented, and each include a rotator axis or axle shaft 40 a, 40b, respectively, the axis of which the rotator(s) 56 a, 56 b willrotate. The rotator axle shafts 40 a and 40 b are preferably positionedat an angle 42 (e.g. transverse) to each other or the horizontal from afront or rear view (see FIGS. 22 and 31), but the rotator axle shafts 40a are fixed end-to-end in line at 180° relative to each other from thetop view (see e.g. FIGS. 23, 27, 32 and 39). The angle 42 can beincreased or decreased to accommodate a desired diameter of the productline 12. Each end of the rotator axle shafts 40 a and 40 b is insertedinto a bearing 30, which allows the rotator axle shafts 40 a, 40 b andalso the rotator(s) 56 a, 56 b to rotate along the axes defined by therotator axle shafts 40 a, 40 b. The rotator axle shaft 40 mayturn/rotate within the bearings 30, may be fixed (i.e. no rotation)relative to and within bearing(s) 30 optionally mounted to therotator(s) 56 (allowing the rotator(s) 56 to rotate relative to and onthe rotator axle shaft 40), or both the rotator axle shaft 40 and therotator 56 can rotate. Each bearing 30 may be fixedly installed on abearing block or pillow block 32. The bearing block 32 may be directlymounted onto the upright supports 26 in one exemplary embodiment (seee.g. FIG. 22), or may be mounted onto the reinforcement beam 29 (seee.g. FIG. 25).

The reinforcement beams 29 are optional supports or trusses beneath eachrotator 56 a, 56 b to which the upright supports 26 and/or the bearingblocks 32 may be connected. The upright supports 26 are generally twoshorter posts 27 a and 27 b and two longer posts 28 a and 28 b. In anexemplary embodiment, the upright supports 26 are installed onto thesecondary platform 66 and connected to the underside of thereinforcement beams 29 (see e.g. FIG. 25). In an alternate exemplaryembodiment, the upright supports 26 may be installed onto the secondaryplatform 66 and onto the underside of the bearing blocks 32 (see e.g.FIG. 22). The two shorter posts 27 are generally installed closertowards the center of the stand 20, whereas the longer posts 28 areinstalled towards the outer sides of the stand 20, to accommodate orcreate the desired angle 42 between the rotator axle shafts 40 a,40 b.Additional brace/joint pieces and trusses, reinforcement pieces or beams29 may also be implemented as desired to support, strengthen or elongateparts of the stand 20.

The pivot or pivot member 70 generally includes a pivot axle/axis or pin72 which is inserted into a pivot sleeve 74 (e.g. a bearing or pivotmember 70 allowing shaft or pivot sleeve 74 to rotate). The pivot axle72 may turn/rotate within the pivot sleeve 74, may be fixed (i.e. norotation) relative to and within pivot sleeve 74 (allowing rotator(s) 56to pivot relative to and on the pivot axle/axis 72), or both the pivotaxle 72 and pivot sleeve 74 may rotate. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the pivot axle 72 may be connected to the rotator(s) 56(directly or onto the secondary platform 66, or an upright support 26)and the pivot sleeve 74 connected to the primary platform 24; in otherexemplary embodiments, the pivot sleeve 74 may be connected to therotator(s) 56 (directly or onto the secondary platform 66, or an uprightsupport 26) and the pivot axle/axis 72 may be connected to the primaryplatform 24.

In the exemplary embodiment of the roller stands 10 a depicted in FIGS.22-30, the pivot 70 is connected at or towards the geometrical center 59of the rotator or rotator wheels 56 (see FIG. 22). The geometricalcenter 59 may be approximately the center point or midway point of thelength 57 of the rotator(s) 56. FIG. 25 depicts an enlarged front viewof the pivot 70 in the central pivot roller stand 10 a embodiment. Asdepicted in FIG. 25, the pivot sleeve 74 is affixed to the midpoint ofthe center lower beam 24 e. The pivot axle 72 is connected to theunderside of the secondary platform 66, between the two rotator(s) 56. Abearing 30 may optionally be installed on an end of the pivot axle 72opposite to the pivot sleeve 74, to enable, encourage or support thesmooth pivoting or rotational movement of the secondary platform 66 androtator(s) 56 in relation to the primary platform 24.

In the exemplary embodiment of the roller stands 10 b, as depicted inFIGS. 31-39, the pivot 70 is connected at a non-central location, pointor area 55 (other than geometrical center 59) of the rotator or rotatorwheels 56, such as an end 58 of the stand 20 (see FIG. 31). Thegeometrical center 59 may be defined as approximately the center pointor midway point of the length 57 of the rotator(s) 56. The pivot 70 inthe exemplary embodiments of the eccentric roller stands 10 b does notnecessarily need to be connected at the end 58 of the stand 20 asdepicted—the pivot 70 in the exemplary embodiments or the eccentricroller stand 10 b may be located anywhere other than the geometricalcenter 59 of the rotator(s) 56, as illustrated by the non-central area,point or location 55. As depicted in FIG. 34, one exemplary embodimentof roller stand 10 b affixes the pivot sleeve 74 to the secondaryplatform 66, and the pivot axle 72 is affixed to the primary platform24. The pivot sleeve 74 may be a type of bearing 30 which allows thesecondary platform 66 and the rotator(s) 56 to rotate or pivot inrelation to the primary platform 24.

In the exemplary embodiments of roller stand 10 a, the pivot angle 76 isthe angular deviation pivoted or rotated by the longitudinal axis of therotator axles 40 in order to square or center the longitudinal axis ofthe rotator axles 40 to the product line 12 which was previously notsquare or centered.

In the exemplary embodiments of roller stand 10 b, the pivot angle 76 isthe angular deviation of the longitudinal axis of the rotator axles 40away from rotator axles' 40 square, centered or perpendicular positionto the product line 12, said angular deviation as set by the operator ofthe roller stands 10 b in order to effect a desired rotational speed,desired rotational direction (clockwise or counter clockwise), anddesired longitudinal speed of the product line 12. For example, withreference to FIG. 31 depicting a front view of the roller stand 10 b,the pivot 70 is located substantially to a left side of the platform 22or rotator(s) 56. This would affect/effect or induce rotation of theproduct line 12 in one direction (e.g. clockwise) as from the frontview, regardless of whether the product line 12 is pushed or pulled(which may prevent unthreading of the product line or pipe 12 regardlessof the direction the pipe 12 moves axially). However, the sameembodiment of the roller stand 10 b can be flipped so that the pivotmember 70 located towards the right side or opposite side of theplatform 22 or rotator(s) 56 and this would affect/effect rotation ofthe product line 12 in the opposite direction (e.g. counter clockwise)from the front view, regardless of whether the product line 12 is pushedor pulled.

In the exemplary embodiments of roller stands 10 a and 10 b, wheels 68may be attached to the underside of the secondary platform 66, by anymeans known for attaching wheels 69, such as, and not limited to—rods,axles, nuts, bolts, bearings, and so on as known to one of ordinaryskill in the art. Any number of wheels 68 that is desired may be used,and the wheels 68 may be entirely absent from the underside of onerotator 56, or both rotator(s) 56 (see e.g. the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 36, wherein only one of the two rotator(s) 56 includesa set of wheels 68 underneath). When wheels 68 are implemented ontoroller stands 10 a and 10 b, a corresponding track 60 is mounted on topof the primary platform 24 to provide for smooth pathway for movement ofthe wheels 68 across the surface of the track 60. The tracks 60 may bedefined or circumscribed by as an arcuate path or partial circularcircumference about the pivot 70. The tracks 60 may also include a trackstop or block 62 sufficiently raised above the surface of the track 60to prevent movement of the wheels 68 beyond a certain point or distanceon the tracks 60. If there is more than one track 60, one or more of thetracks 60 may include the track stops 62. In certain exemplaryembodiments of roller stand 10 b as depicted in FIGS. 31-33, there maybe two tracks 60: an outer track 60 a and an inner track 60 b. While theFIGS. 31-33 depict the outer track 60 a with the track stop 62, it is tobe appreciated that the inner track 60 b may include the track stop 62instead. Additionally, while the exemplary embodiments depicted ofroller stands 10 a show both tracks 60 with track stops 62, it is to beappreciated that only one track 60 may include track stops 62, orneither tracks 60 may include such track stops 62. Alternative exemplaryembodiments of the wheels 68 may include sweeper brushes 90 a, 90 b (seeFIG. 40) on either side of, or around the wheels 68. The purpose of thesweeper brushes 90 a, 90 b is to clean and sweep the track 60, and toensure that the track 60 is free of debris such as gravel which couldinterfere with rotation of the wheels 68. The sweeper brushes 90 a, 90 bmay be installed in front and behind any wheel 68 to be able to sweepthe track 60 right before the wheel 68 enters into contact with thetrack 60 area. An alternative exemplary embodiment may mount the track60 as part of the secondary platform or structure or rocking frame orpivoting frame 66, wherein the wheels 68 are installed or inserted intoor under the track 60 and wherein the wheels 68 are fixed to the primaryplatform 24. In such alternative exemplary embodiment, the point ofcontact of the wheels 68 and the secondary structure 66 will be in thetop of the circumference of the wheel 68, thus there is minimalizedchance (due to gravity) that debris could be accumulated impending thenormal rotation of the wheels 68.

In addition to track stops 62 to prohibit motion of the wheels 68, theroller stands 10 a may include a locking means 80 (as known to one ofordinary skill in the art) for preventing or prohibiting the movement ofthe wheels 68, and also preventing or prohibiting the pivoting movementof the rotator(s) 56 and secondary platform 66. While locking means 80are optional for roller stands 10 a, some form of locking means 80 mustbe present for roller stands 10 b to set a desired pivot angle 76. Onesuch exemplary locking means 80 is depicted in FIGS. 26, 30 and 36-39,but other types of locking means 80 as known to one of ordinary skill inthe art are envisioned. The locking means 80 in the depicted figuresinclude one or more holes 84 drilled into the platform 24, one or morepins 82 for insertion into the holes 84, and an extension 86 that isfixed in relation to the rotator(s) 56. This extension 86 may beattached to the secondary platform 66 as seen in FIGS. 36-39, or theextension 86 may be another element of the roller stand 10 a,10 b,capable of a size and length of engaging the pin 82. For example, asdepicted in FIG. 30, the extension 86 may be the means of attachingwheels 69 and engages the pins 82 accordingly when rotating. Theinsertion of the pin 82 into a hole 84 sets a limited range of motion orrotation for the rotator(s) 56 and secondary platform 66 pivoting inrelation to the primary platform 24 as extension 86 engages, contacts orbumps against the pin 82.

While there are normally two rotators or rotator wheels 56 mounted perroller stand 10 a and 10 b as discussed above, alternate exemplaryembodiments with less and more than two rotator(s) 56 are included inthe present disclosure. The distance between such pair of rotator(s) 56may be adjusted/adjustable as discussed above. Each rotator 56 mayinclude a means to protect the product line 12 (or the coating of theproduct line 12), such as, for example, a plastic, a rubber, neoprene,or Teflon outer surface. Each rotator 56 or its components may be anoff-the-shelf part also including a coating 54 itself. Therotator(s)/spinner(s)/roller(s) 56 are preferably cylindrical, but maybe other shapes that may spin or rotate and move a pipe and/or allow apipe to move in two directions, such as, by way of example only,conical, bullet shaped, or if only one is used cylindrical with abelted, reduced or saddle-type central region.

The exemplary embodiments of the roller stand 10 a are intended tocorrect for misalignment of the product line or pipe 12 wherein theproduct line 12 is not perfectly square or perpendicular to the normalposition of roller stand 10 a. The initial, or normal position of theroller stand 10 a can be seen in FIG. 23. When the product line 12 isproperly aligned, the normal position of the roller stand 10 a issufficient and the roller stand 10 a will not pivot the rotator(s) 56 inrelation to the primary platform 24. However, this is not always thecase in practice, and the product line 12 is often misaligned (or notperpendicular to the normal position of the roller stand 10 a). Inconventional or standard roller stands, this misalignment will oftencause the product line 12 to flip over the roller stands or otherwisedamage the roller stands and/or the surroundings.

However, with the improved roller stand 10 a, in such instances wherethe product line 12 is misaligned, the rotator(s) 56 will pivot orrotate through the pivot means 70 under the weight of the product line12 (i.e. via gravity) such that the longitudinal axis of the rotatoraxles 40 becomes squared with or perpendicular to the product line 12.The process in which the rotator(s) 56 align its rotator axles 40 to beperpendicular to the product line 12 as a result of the weight of theproduct line 12 may be referred to as “self-centering” or“self-squaring”. The pivot angle 76 is reflective of the angulardeviation necessary to square the longitudinal axes of the rotator axles40 to the product line 12. The wheels 68 may travel over the track 60 toenable or assist with the pivoting motion of the rotator(s) 56. Thedistance between the pivot 70 and the geometrical center 59 of therotator(s) 56 originates a momentum when the product line 12 startsmoving back or forward, inducing the rotation of the secondary platformor structure 66, which induces the rotation of the product line 12located over the rotator(s) 56. The product line 12, now resting andperpendicular with the rotator axles 40 can now proceed to movelongitudinally (e.g. in a for-aft or back-and-forth motion along orcoincident with its own longitudinal axis) without danger of unintendedrotation or flipping the roller stand 10 a.

The exemplary embodiments of the roller stands 10 b are intended toeffect a desired or intended rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), a desired rotational speed (or rotations per minute, “RPM”),and a desired longitudinal speed of the product line 12. The desiredrotational direction, rotational speed, and longitudinal speed of theproduct line 12 can be effected through control or setting of theeccentric pivot angle 76 through the locking means 80. A greater pivotangle 76 results in the greater rotational speed of the product line 12,and the lower longitudinal speed of the product line 12. A smaller pivotangle 76 results in lower rotational speed of the product line 12, andgreater longitudinal speed of the product line 12. When the pivot angle76 is set to 0° (or alternatively, when the roller stand 10 b is lockedvia locking means 80 into the normal or initial position as seen in FIG.32), there is no rotational direction or movement of the product line12, and there is only longitudinal movement of the product line 12. Theeccentric pivot angle 76 is set through locking means 80 which canprohibit the pivoting of the rotator(s) 56 (and the longitudinal axis ofthe rotator axles 40) from moving beyond the pivot angle 76. Wheels 68may assist or enable movement of the rotator(s) 56, the rotator axles 40and the secondary platform 66 to the desired position. The setting ofthe pivot angle 76 can control the rotational direction regardless ofthe longitudinal direction (e.g. if the pivot angle 76 sets a clockwiserotation of the product line 12, the product line 12 rotates clockwiseregardless of pulling or pushing the product line 12). Rotationalmovement of the product line 12 may be desired to reduce the staticcoefficient of friction between the pipe or product line 12 and therotators 56 to lowest as much as possible the necessary pull force toinstall the product line 12 into a previously drilled hole. The use ofimproved roller stands 10 b may also remove the conventional need foruse of a swivel (not illustrated) connection between the drill pipe tothe product line 12.

Each stand 20 of rollers 10, 10 a and 10 b is normally mounted on theground 14 for support and movement of product line 12 or drill pipe in,for example, a HDD system. By way of example, the spacing between eachconsecutive stand 20 on the ground 14 may be thirty feet (i.e. one stand20 per every thirty feet). For completion of an HDD crossing or pullbackthe product line 12 or the drill pipe tail string may extend forapproximately the entire distance of the underground crossing. Theteachings and disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/384,097and 62/411,109 are hereby incorporated by reference.

The rotator(s) 56 together with the pivot member/pivoting 70 may enablemoving of the pipe 12 axially and rotationally, whilst reducingresistance, finding a location of least resistance, and/or minimizingthe force needed to push/pull and/or rotate for movement of the pipe 12.

While the embodiments are described with reference to variousimplementations and exploitations, it will be understood that theseembodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subjectmatter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additionsand improvements are possible.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. In general, structuresand functionality presented as separate components in the exemplaryconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single componentmay be implemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

1. An apparatus for supporting and moving a product line or drill pipetail string in connection with an underground arcuate path in a groundbeneath an obstacle, comprising: a platform on the ground; a pivotmember connected to the platform, wherein the pivot member defines apivot axis substantially perpendicular to the ground; and at least onerotator connected to the pivot member, wherein the at least one rotatorpivots about the pivot axis in relation to the platform and rotatesabout a rotator axis.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivotmember is located at a geometrical center of the at least one rotator.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivot member is located at anon-central area of the at least one rotator.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a secondary platform connected and fixed inrelation to the at least one rotator, wherein the secondary platform isabove the platform; and further wherein the pivot member is connected tothe at least one rotator via mounting the pivot member to the secondaryplatform.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an uprightsupport fixed at an end of the at least one rotator; and further whereinthe pivot member is connected to the rotator by mounting the pivotmember to the upright support.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising a wheel connected to an underside of the secondary platform.7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a track mounted onto theplatform, wherein the track is an arcuate pathway circumscribed aboutthe pivot member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprisingbrushes adjacent to the wheel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising a track mounted on an underside of the secondary platform.10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising wheels inserted intothe track.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a means forlocking on the platform, wherein the means for locking is configured toprevent the pivot member from rotating beyond a desired position.
 12. Amethod for supporting and moving a pipe in connection with anunderground arcuate path in a ground beneath an obstacle, comprising thestep(s) of: pivoting a rotator relative to a platform on the groundwherein the rotator enables moving of the pipe axially.
 13. The methodof claim 12, wherein the step of pivoting the rotator comprises pivotingthe rotator at a geometrical center of the rotator.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the step of pivoting the rotator comprises pivotingthe rotator at a non-central area of the rotator.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising the step of rotating the pipe.
 16. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising the step of preventing therotator from pivoting beyond a set pivot angle.
 17. The method of claim14, wherein a longitudinal axis of the pipe is nonsquare in relation toa longitudinal axis of the rotator.
 18. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising the step of self-squaring a longitudinal axis of the rotatorin relation to a longitudinal axis of the pipe as a result of the stepof pivoting the rotator at the geometrical center of the rotator. 19.The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of installing atrack on the platform.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingthe step of brushing debris off the track.
 21. The method of claim 15,further comprising the step of reducing a static coefficient of frictionbetween the pipe and the rotator.
 22. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising the step of moving of the pipe rotationally, whilst reducingresistance via said pivoting step.
 23. An omnidirectional rollerapparatus for supporting and moving a product line or drill pipe tailstring in connection with an underground arcuate path in a groundbeneath an obstacle, comprising: a stand mounted on the ground, whereinthe stand has a frame; a bearing mounted on the frame; a rotationalshaft mounted to the bearing, and a Mecanum wheel mounted on therotational shaft.
 24. The omnidirectional roller apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the frame comprises a platform and a plurality ofupright supports, and wherein the upright supports comprise two shorterposts and two longer posts.
 25. The omnidirectional roller apparatusaccording to claim 24, wherein the rotational shaft has a mounting angledefined by the shorter posts and longer posts; and wherein the mountingangle is forty-five degrees from the longitudinal axis, forty-fivedegrees from the vertical axis, and forty-five degrees from thetransversal axis.
 26. The omnidirectional roller apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein said Mecanum wheel has a plurality of rollers andwherein each of the plurality of rollers includes a means for protectingthe product line.
 27. The omnidirectional roller apparatus according toclaim 24, wherein the bearing is mounted, one each on top of the shorterposts and longer posts; and wherein said Mecanum wheel is mountedproximate the center along the length of the rotational shaft.
 28. Theomnidirectional roller apparatus according to claim 23, wherein thebearing is in a center of said Mecanum wheel.
 29. The omnidirectionalroller apparatus according to claim 24, wherein a lateral width of theframe is adjustable.
 30. A method for selectively installing a pipe fromabove a ground for use in an underground arcuate path beneath anobstacle, and for using another pipe at an exit site during reamingoperations of HDD activities for use in the underground arcuate pathbeneath the obstacle comprising the steps of: supporting the pipe onsets of two Mecanum wheels; rotating the pipe on the Mecanum wheels; andmoving the pipe longitudinally across the Mecanum wheels.